The DeKalb First Accounts Initiative, supported by United Way, helped Cheryl see that she could stop depending on public assistance and decide to live a better life.
Now, Cheryl feels called to help others, especially other single mothers, understand that they can change their lives, too.
"If we can't get our finances together, our whole life is out of whack and out of control," Cheryl said.
By saving just a few dollars each week, Cheryl has been able to make investments and create savings. The program teaches people with low to moderate incomes about checking and savings accounts and budgeting and credit. After taking the class, participants can open a bank account and begin their new financial lives.
Cheryl heard about the program when she was on welfare. Today, she teaches First Accounts classes. She understands the people in her classes, people who have been turned down for bank accounts because of credit or because they have never before had an account-she has been where they are. And First Accounts helped her believe in herself.
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The First Accounts program brings together local and federal governments and business and educational institutions to give participants access to, and understanding of, financial institutions.
United Way has advocated strongly to bring banking partners to First Accounts, helping the program reach more people-though the need remains great.
Cheryl Smith took control of her life—
by taking control of her finances.
"This program needs to be available to everyone who needs it—to let people who are in ruts know that they can get out," Cheryl said.
Maximizing economic self-sufficiency and bringing community members together to solve issues are just two of the ways United Way makes our community safer and stronger.
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